Question

The first member of the alkane series is

• A. CH₄
• B. C₂H₄
• C. C₂H₂
• D. C₃H₆

Answer 1

The correct option is A

CH₄

Step 1: Introduction

The organic compounds consisting of Carbon $\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$ and Hydrogen $\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$ atoms are known as hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons are of two types depending upon the kind of bonds formed between carbon-carbon atoms:

Saturated hydrocarbons: The organic compounds containing Carbon atoms have a single bond between two Carbon-Carbon atoms are called saturated hydrocarbons

Unsaturated hydrocarbons: The organic compounds containing Carbon atoms have a double or triple bond between two Carbon-Carbon atoms are called unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Step 2: The explanation for the correct option:

Alkanes contain only single bonds between Carbon-Carbon and Carbon-Hydrogen atoms. So it is known as a saturated hydrocarbon.

The general formula of alkanes is$\left({\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}+2}\right)$.

The first member of the alkane series is Methane$\left({\mathrm{CH}}_4\right)$.

The explanation for the incorrect option:

Ethene $\left({\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4\right)$ is an unsaturated hydrocarbon because it follows the general formula of alkenes.

Ethyne $\left({\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_2\right)$ is an unsaturated hydrocarbon because it follows the general formula of alkynes.

Propene $\left({\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_6\right)$ is an unsaturated hydrocarbon because it follows the general formula of alkenes.

Final answer:

Hence, option (A) is the correct option.